Tuesday, 6/14
After Ren left, Makoto just sat on the couch, staring into the powered-down TV in front of her. There was too much for Makoto to think about to do anything else. Ren, Kaneshiro, more Ren, what Ren had done at school on Monday, even more Ren, and what was going to happen to her. While her thoughts gravitated towards some topics more than others, all of them blurred together to create a feeling of uncertainty that was foreign to Makoto's recent life.
For the past two weeks, Makoto's life had been rushing towards one outcome that would either happen or not. She would either be taken by Kaneshiro or not. One of those possibilities held much more weight than the other, so Makoto focused on that one, leading her to feel somewhat certain of Kaneshiro getting to her.
But that feeling had been fading. Ren had taken her in, saying that he would keep her safe and let no one get to her. That had lowered the possibility of Makoto's predicted outcome and increased the possibility of the other. In turn, that created uncertainty.
What happened if Kaneshiro didn't get her? Would she just go home and resume her normal life? Could she resume her normal life after everything that happened? What would happen to Takata and the other volleyball players?
While Makoto thought about each of those questions, there were subjectively more pressing issues on her mind.
What would happen with GRAVY? What would happen to Ren with what he had done? Even if he wasn't expelled, would he let Makoto continue to stay in his apartment? She wouldn't need to, but she felt weirdly eager to continue the arrangement. If she took away the impending doom that had pervaded the time spent in Ren's apartment, it was an enjoyable period of time.
Finally, Makoto arrived at the most important question of all: what would happen between her and Ren?
I fell asleep on his arm… oh my god. He was smug about it this morning, but he must've been pissed last night. But… why? Why did he let me sleep like that? Unless… did he like it? I don't understand any of this. Do I say something to him? No, that would be stupid and obnoxious. There will be more important things to talk about when he gets back, Makoto thought before doubt surfaced in her mind. If he comes back.
A feeling of dread came over Makoto. What if Ren had been tricked and was being hurt as she sat quietly in the apartment, waiting for her kidnappers?
Just as Makoto spiraled into these thoughts, the doorknob started to turn. Makoto gasped, looking over at the door from the couch. It could've been anyone on the other side of the door. Takata, Kaneshiro's men, Ren.
The door opened, two middle-aged men entering the apartment with sinister grins on their faces.
Ren and Ryuji were still on Central Street, both of them holding black cards. Ren continued to doubt the validity of the card, but he doubted himself in that. Even if the card held some truth to it, what was the point in having Kaneshiro turn himself in just to kill him? And how would that even work? Murder in a police station wasn't exactly a get-in, get-out kind of job.
Not that Ren was opposed to the idea. Kaneshiro absolutely deserved whatever the Prince has in store for him, if the card was to be believed.
"You think it'll happen?" Ryuji asked.
No. Not possible.
"I hope so. Would make things a lot easier for Makoto," Ren answered.
"Heh, that's an understatement. Speaking of, how's she doing? Say anything to ya on your way out?"
"'You're really going to hang out with Ryuji's bitch-ass?'" Ren falsely quoted.
"Wha- hey! I'm serious!"
"Okay, okay, she didn't say anything. I told her to not open the door for anyone and she agreed. That's it."
"Kinda boring," Ryuji disappointedly said.
"I mean, this isn't a romance movie or some shit. What'd you expect?"
Ryuji grinned, grabbing Ren's arm and exaggerating his expressions.
"'My dear Renny! Please don't leave me! I need you! You're my soulmate!" Ren's lack of amusement led Ryuji to end his act. "C'mon, dude. Why so serious?"
"Ryuji, we still don't know what's gonna happen. For all we know, this was just a hoax from Kaneshiro to get me out of the apartment."
"Dude, you really think he would waste money on printing this many effin' cards?" Ryuji said, holding up the black card and waving it in front of Ren's face.
"If he thought Makoto was worth the investment, yeah,"
Realization dawned on Ryuji's face.
"Shit, you're right! We gotta get back!"
"I'm sure she's fine. We have the guards and she said she won't open the door for anyone." Upon seeing Ryuji's furious glare, Ren quickly added, "But we definitely should go back anyway."
Ren made sure to keep the card, tucking it in his pocket before the pair briskly left Central Street. They speed-walked back to Ren's apartment, making note of the undisturbed guards still outside the apartment. The guards drew a few glares from passerby's, but they didn't react.
That's some good-ass security. I'll have to thank Haru again.
Ren and Ryuji went into the building and got in the elevator. Ryuji jammed the button to close the doors in hopes of making the elevator get going faster. It worked, taking the two up to Ren's floor. They rapidly stepped out of the elevator and walked down the hall to Ren's door.
Ren jiggled the key in the lock a few times before opening the door to the worst possible thing that could've happened.
Makoto sat on the couch, speaking with Junpei Iori and another man around the same age. The man had shaggy but short brown hair, a muted yellow coat over a black t-shirt, and jeans. On the chin of his pale face was stubble. It was more cleanly shaved than Junpei's, but still very poorly done.
Makoto, Junpei, and the other man turned to the door when they heard it open. Makoto's eyes went wide with relief, Junpei's wide with confusion, and the man's narrowed in suspicion.
"Uh…" Ren didn't have anything to say.
"OH!" Junpei nearly yelled, turning to the other man as he spoke. "I almost forgot! This kid is staying in the place for a bit. He's on probation or something."
I'm surprised he forgets about it, given that he's supposed to be reporting to a probation officer weekly. Speaking of, I haven't kept up with my journal lately or seen Junpei come by. Makoto hasn't mentioned him stopping by either, and she's been only here the past few days. So... is Junpei… neglecting me? Nooo, my deadbeat temporary guardian is neglecting me!
"Anyway, I should introduce you two!" Junpei saying as he dragged the man by his arm towards Ren. The man extended his free hand to Ren to shake. "Kenji, meet Renji."
"My name's not-"
"Nice to meet ya, Renji," Kenji said as he just grabbed Ren's retracted hand and shook it.
"Uh… sure," Ren said, letting his limp hand get shaken.
"Jeez, try to be a little less awkward!" Junpei ordered before lowering his voice. "But I guess that's my fault. Kenji, here's the basic rundown on Renji: the dipshit assaulted some guy and got sent to Tokyo. He goes to Shujin and, heh, gets around."
The problem with that description is that all of it was accurate except for ht last part.
"Interesting…" Kenji mused, still shaking Ren's hand.
Junpei turned to Ren. "Renji, here's the rundown on Kenji: known the guy since high school, but that's not the good part. As soon as we graduate, he marries some fifty-year-old chick to satisfy a need of his, with no prenup. Fast-forward to today, Kenji is rich from corporate management at the Junes chain and can't divorce his eighty-something wife because he doesn't want to lose that money."
"I would cheat, but that risks divorce." Kenji was still shaking Ren's hand, which Ren was trying to pull away.
"Heh, nice," Ryuji muttered.
So… this guy had a milf fetish in high school, acted on it, and can't divorce his wife for money? This guy's the dumbest piece of shit I've ever met.
Kenji finally let go as Junpei patted both his and Ren's shoulders. Whatever conversation that was happening had halted, giving Ren the chance to ask the question he had to been waiting for.
"Uh… Iori-san, why're you here?"
"Hm? Well shit, it's my apartment."
"No, I get that, but why now and why with Kenji?"
"Ohhh… it's my birthday!" Junpei proudly declared.
Junpei and Kaneshiro share a birthday? Who would've thought?
"You're shitting me."
"Nope! Thought I'd celebrate with my bud!" Junpei said, patting Kenji on the back.
"But… uh… I live here."
"Blah blah blah. Renji, learn to live a little," Junpei said harshly. "We'll be gone in a few hours anyway."
A few hours? FU-
"Gonna introduce us to your friend, Renji?" Junpei asked, pointing at Ryuji.
Ryuji opened his mouth to speak, but Ren cut him off.
"His name's Ren. He says nice to meet you and goodbye."
"Awfully similar to Renji, isn't it?" Kenji asked before shrugging. "Eh, doesn't matter. Nice to meet ya, Ren."
Ryuji just nodded with a chuckle.
Junpei stepped back from the group at the door so the entire apartment could hear him, which was only one person other than the group at the door.
"Kenji and I will be in the kitchen! If you want to order a drink, just get in line!" he yelled.
No one said anything, but Junpei and Kenji just went into the kitchen and began pulling flasks of alcohol out of their coat pockets. Ren stopped paying attention and went over to the living area, Ryuji following him. Makoto looked up at both of them from the couch.
"Is everything…?" she began before she trailed off. Ren understood where the question was going anyway.
"That depends," Ren said as he handed the card to Makoto. "Read this."
She took the black card, nervously looking at the side with the logo before flipping it over. She read it silently to herself, her eyes going wide at specific parts that Ren wasn't sure of. When she was done, she handed the card back to Ren.
"W-where did you g-get it?"
"Thousands of 'em up and down Central Street. Probably spent shitloads of yen on ink just for some cards," Ryuji answered.
"Thousands?!" Makoto's eyes were wider than ever.
"Mhm." Ren nodded. "No matter what we think of it, people are definitely stirred up by it."
"Damn right they are," Ryuji said with a laugh. "I was doing my daily jog and a big-ass crowd comes down the street. Shit, I thought they were going after me until they just continued to the subway station. I followed, and Central Street was even worse. It's packed."
Packed enough to cancel school? It'd be nice to not have to face the music so soon.
"Oh my god…" was all Makoto could manage.
"Yeah, shit's crazy. Ya think it's for real?" Ryuji asked.
"I… I hope so."
"We all do. When do you think anything will happen?" Ren asked the group.
Ryuji considered the question for a moment.
"The Prince guy didn't give a date for anything to happen, but it's gotta be soon. This's too dramatic to just let it sit for a month."
"Yeah, that's true. Think it's on the news?"
"You got a TV, don't you?" Ryuji replied.
No, I sold it along with my Shujin academic career.
Ren sighed, grabbing the remote from the coffee table and sitting on the couch next to Makoto. Not wanting anything to be awkward, he was on the opposite side of the couch from Makoto. Ryuji gave them both a weird look before he sat down in one of the chairs.
Ren turned the TV on, his movie service homepage coming up. He quickly changed the source. The TV was already on a local news channel. A newswoman was reporting with a photo of the black card next to her head.
"The person behind the 'calling card,' what people have called the mysterious black card, refers to themselves as the 'Prince of Japan, A.K.' As to what either of those could mean, the public is in the dark. Japan remains a democracy and has no prince, and the provided letters have not yet been linked to a name."
No way! Japan is a democracy! Holy shit! I never knew that! The news is just so helpful!
"The target of the calling card, Junya Kaneshiro, was unknown to the public eye before today. The card describes him as a 'money-devouring sinner of gluttony,' and states that Kaneshiro will turn himself in before he is killed by the author of the card. Beyond the information on the card, we know nothing more than you all. We'll keep you covered on any immediate developments. But enough of that. Over to Sakai-san with the weather…" the newswoman said, prompting Ren to lower the volume of the TV so it was nothing more than background noise.
"This is crazy…" Ryuji said dumbfoundedly while he looked down at his phone. "All the big networks are reporting this shit! No way it's just a prank."
No one had anything to say to that, as Makoto and Ren both agreed with what Ryuji had said. A few seconds passed before Ryuji shot of his seat and raised his hands in the air like he was a champion.
"EFF YEAH!"
"Shut up!" Junpei yelled from the kitchen, but Ryuji didn't seem to care.
"Ryuji, calm down. Ren has neighbors and it is still early," Makoto said sheepishly.
I mean, it's not that early anymore. I'd be getting ready to leave for school normally, but there are more important things right now. Even if it's not that early, I'm surprised Junpei showed up at this time. I figured he slept all day, but I guess not.
"Check Shujinstagram!" Ryuji demanded.
Ren shrugged, casually pulling out his phone. He opened Shujinstagram to a notification window.
"Important message:" Ren began to read aloud, "Shujin Academy, Kose High, and Seven Sisters High School will all be closed today, the fourteenth of June. Faculty have had difficulties with commuting to their respective schools due to today's events. Enjoy the day off."
"Hell yeah!" Ryuji cheered.
"Um… is that a good thing? Exams are in a month and-" Makoto began but was cut off.
"Jesus, Makoto. They're in a month. We got…" Ryuji counted on his fingers, "four weeks until we gotta worry about those!"
"Ryuji, you have four weeks. Normal people have to start worrying now," Ren corrected. "Besides, this isn't the point. We have the day off school. What should we do?"
Ryuji immediately got serious.
"Camp out, watch the news, and see what happens with the Prince."
"Ryuji, I'm ninety-percent sure that nothing will-"
"Turn the volume up on the TV, see what happens."
Ren just shrugged and turned the volume up, the newswoman quickly countering Ren's beliefs.
"Sorry, Sakai-san, but we have an update on the situation with the Prince. I repeat, we have an update on the situation with the Prince." The newswoman stared wide-eyed past the camera, likely at the teleprompter. "Junya Kaneshiro, the target of the calling card, has been arrested. I repeat, Junya Kaneshiro has been arrested."
"What'd I tell ya?" Ryuji said with a grin.
Ren and Makoto both shushed him from speaking anymore, not wanting the news broadcast to be interrupted.
"We turn to our reporter in the field, Naegi-san, who is in front of the TMPD headquarters at the moment. Naegi-san, can you tell us what is happening down there?"
The video footage cut to a small looking young man who had spiky hair. Behind the reporter was the precinct, a massive crowd standing at the steps, yelling for reasons Ren wasn't sure of. A line of policemen was guarding the steps and the precinct entrance.
"Thank you, Ishikawa-san," Naegi said in a voice that could only be described as wimpy. "I'm at the precinct, where just moments ago a man who has been identified as Junya Kaneshiro arrived, escorted by several officers. The man was sweating uncontrollably and seemed to be pleading with the officers, but the crew here wasn't able to listen in."
"Could you tell us more about the crowd?" the main newswoman asked.
"Well, there's not much to tell. It seems like they wanna see Kaneshiro. I've heard a few anti-police chants, but they haven't gained much traction."
"And has TMPD released a statement on Kaneshiro's arrest?"
"No, they have not. I attempted to question an officer, but he refused to provide an answer. My guess is that they wanna keep quiet on their plans for Kaneshiro, given the contents of the card."
"Understandable. Thank you, Naegi-san."
Naegi nodded before the broadcast cut back to the newswoman.
"More on that story as it develops. Next, Chocobo synthesis: is it truly possible to create giant chicken-birds? Scientists say yes and have an abomina- I mean, an early prototype to show."
Aaaand the volume goes back down.
Ren lowered the volume. Ryuji didn't care, as he was standing in front of the TV and celebrating. Ren looked over at Makoto. She was blushing, but the look on her face was blank with disbelief.
Not like I can blame her. I'm sure I have the same expression on my face. But what if it was just some random guy claiming to be Kaneshiro? Still, who would wanna get arrested?
Ren looked Makoto at Makoto again.
"Hey," he said to get her attention, causing her to turn her flushed face towards him. He would have been intimidated by her eyes if he hadn't been so confident in what he was about to say. "It's over. You're safe. He can't hurt you."
"Y-yes, I s-suppose…" Makoto nervously said.
Understandable why she's nervous. None of us really know what's going on. I'm sure she'll calm down given time. At least now she has the time to calm down.
"Renji!" Kenji called from the kitchen. Ren looked back over the couch to see the pair of adults sitting on two of the three stools. "Get over here!"
Ren obliged with a sigh, standing up from the couch and walking over to the kitchen area. He sat down on the unoccupied stool, left of Junpei, who was left of Kenji.
"You guys gonna quiet down soon?" Junpei asked in a hushed tone.
"Did you really call me over here just to ask me that?"
"Well… no. That was my opener."
"Get to the point."
"Well, uh, Renji… Junpei and I were wondering," Kenji nervously began, "where the bitches at?"
Ren glanced over to the living area to make sure Ryuji or Makoto were listening. If they were, they didn't show it and continued focusing on the news. Ren shifted his gaze back towards the two supposed adults.
"Excuse me?"
"Junpei said you'd be inviting the hoes. Where are they?" Kenji asked more confidently, but still not loud enough to get the other GRAVY members' attention.
"Uh… there will be no bitches, nor hoes coming to this apartment."
"You sure?" Junpei asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I've invited no one to come here."
"Agh, dammit. Kenji, you wanna call your wife to-"
"Renji vetoes this decision," Ren said flatly.
Kenji nervously glanced at Junpei.
"Dude, he used the 'Renji Veto.' What do we do?" Kenji attempted to whisper to Junpei but failed miserably.
"Relax, I've known this guy since day one. Watch this," Junpei tried to whisper back before he turned to Ren. "Renji, crack open a cold one with us."
"Renji vetoes this decision," Ren repeated.
That shit worked the first time. Two for the money?
"Heh, we all know that that can only work on one group decision," Junpei said with a laugh. "Now, crack open a cold one with us."
Dammit.
"No thank you, General Iori."
"You sure? It's my birthday. Wouldn't wanna ruin the day, would ya?"
"Whose day would I be ruining? Mine? Yours? I couldn't care less. My day's been made," Ren said bitterly. "Iori-san, I think it's time for you to leave."
"It's my apartment!"
"Yeah, but you're supposed to be letting me stay here. You can't just barge in unannounced."
"Tch," Junpei spat as he stood up. "C'mon, Kenji. Let's go."
That was easier than I thought. Maybe he was really disappointed by the lack of bitches
Kenji apprehensively stood up and followed Junpei out of the apartment, both of them sneering at Makoto and Ryuji, who were both watching the TV and didn't notice. The two adults left the apartment, with Ren breathing a sigh of relief. He got up from the stool and walked back over to the living area. Ryuji noticed his arrival, turning his head towards Ren to speak.
"Should we get everyone over here?" he said excitedly. "We could throw a party."
I mean… do we really need a party? Do we even want one? And what would it even be for? We just hang out, eat food, and talk until the woman on TV says that Kaneshiro's dead? Doesn't seem like a fun time.
"I don't think a party is appropriate, Ryuji," Makoto said.
"C'mon, Miss President. Just a little get together. Ren, back me-"
"We're not having a party," Ren said forcefully as he sat down on his end of the couch.
"What?! For real?!"
"Yeah, for real. Today's not the day. Maybe soon, but there's too much going on today. It would be like celebrating for all the wrong reasons," Ren explained.
Ryuji dejectedly sighed.
"B-but… party… we can go a-apeshit…" he sadly muttered.
Bullshit.
"Ryuji, we all know that you don't have the balls to go apeshit," Ren challenged.
Ryuji determinedly looked back up at Ren.
"Say that again."
"You don't have the balls to go apeshit. All you did at the last 'party' that GRAVY had was play video games and yell about some alcohol."
"You-"
"Guys! This is the most pointless argument. Could you please move on?!" Makoto protested.
Out of respect for her, Ren and Ryuji shut up. With the mood slightly tainted, the three continued watching TV, leading to Ryuji pulling out his phone. A few seconds later, Ren felt his phone buzz in his pocket.
GRAVY
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Y'all see the news?
Haru Okumura:
-I have.
Ann Takamaki:
-Same here. Is Makoto OK?
Makoto Niijima:
-I'm fine, just confused is all.
Haru Okumura:
-That's great to hear, Mako-chan.
Ann Takamaki:
-Do you guys wanna celebrate?
Ren looked up from his phone to see Ryuji already bitterly staring at him. He noticed Makoto glaring at the both of them from the corner of his eye.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Renji's dumbass said no.
Ren Amamiya:
-Dude, are we really gonna celebrate the day of everything happening? For all we know, Kaneshiro could be released. And besides, we still have shit to worry about.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Exactly! We gotta take the pressure off somehow. Why not throw a party?
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-Shall we be gathering?
Ren Amamiya:
-I'm fine with you guys partying, but I'm out.
Makoto Niijima:
-I don't think I'll be going either.
That message was sent a little too quickly. I wonder… would Makoto only go if I went? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Maybe she feels like she's too distant from the other GRAVY members. Shit, is she even a GRAVY member? I mean, she is in spirit, but we gotta make it official.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-OK, fine. Ann, Haru, Yusuke, you guys wanna pull up to my place?
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-I have artistic commitments.
Haru Okumura:
-I have family obligations.
Ann Takamaki:
-I have standards.
Holy shit they killed him.
"Effin' bullshit…" Ryuji muttered aloud.
Ren Amamiya:
-Ryuji, it's a lost cause. We can just do it in a few days when everything calms down and we know that we're all safe. Okay?
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-OK. Pinky promise?
Ren heard Ryuji snicker as if he thought he was being clever.
Ren Amamiya:
-Get that bullshit out of here before I airdrop the holy bathroom pic to you.
We're really texting each other when we're together in person. This is lame.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Jeez, fine.
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-Enlighten me to this "holy bathroom."
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-Dude… you don't wanna know.
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-So be it. By the way, what is the news you all were discussing?
Ann Takamaki:
-Uh… you could just turn on your TV, but here's what's happening: calling cards in the thousands popped up on Central Street saying that Kaneshiro would turn himself in before dying thanks to this guy calling himself the Prince of Japan. Kaneshiro just turned himself in.
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-Strange.
Makoto Niijima:
-Indeed. Do you guys think that Kaneshiro will really die?
Haru Okumura:
-It's difficult to say. He already followed the first part of the card, so the second part may happen soon.
She has a point. The card's been right so far. If Kaneshiro dies, this A.K gets to be taken seriously.
Ann Takamaki:
-This^. I think he'll be finished in a few hours.
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-¥1000 he's dead by 3.
Ann Takamaki:
-Are we really gonna bet on someone dying?
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-Yes. ¥1000 will allow me to purchase is a wonderful dinner and transportation.
Ren Amamiya:
-Bruh...
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-You want in on this, Renji?
Ren Amamiya:
-I would, but I'm saving money for a playpen for my son.
Haru Okumura:
-Ren-kun, you have a son?
Ren Amamiya:
-Yeah, wanna see a picture?
Ann Takamaki:
-Haru, you do know that he's joking, right?
Haru Okumura
-I'd love to, Ren-kun!
Ren turned from his position on the couch, quickly snapping a selfie of himself with Ryuji hunched over his phone in the background.
Ren Amamiya:
Haru Okumura:
-But that is just Ryuji-kun.
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-I believe Ryuji has just been "sonned."
Ryuji Sakamoto:
-...
Makoto Niijima:
-Could we nmmot do this roght npw?
Yusuke Kitagawa:
-Is this pig latin?
Ren turned to Makoto, noticing Ryuji doing the same from his chair. She nervously looked up from her phone.
"You okay?" Ren asked.
"Erm, yes. I was just nervous about typing that, I guess."
"All good," Ryuji said with an encouraging grin. "You know what? No more phones!"
Ryuji dropped his phone on the floor, beckoning for Ren and Makoto to do the same, which they did.
"So… what do you guys wanna do?" Ren awkwardly asked to fill the silence that had come with disconnecting.
"Watch the news?" Makoto suggested.
Ren turned towards the TV to see what the newswoman was currently reporting.
"While the chickens that have undergone the procedure have developed multiple sets of genitals of both kinds, scientists claim they are on the right track. To the team working with the chickens, please sto- I mean, we're all wishing you the best of luck. Next, Teddie from the Junes-affiliated Stubway speaks from prison, after this break," the newswoman said as a picture of Teddie the Bear flashed onto the screen.
Uh… what the fuck do they cover when there isn't big news? And what the fuck is this about Teddie being in prison?
"You guys know what's going on with Teddie?"
"Yeah, shit's crazy," Ryuji began, eagerly watching the TV. "Dude went into a downward spiral after talking about that chick on live TV. Apparently, he was spitting in Stubway sandwiches to 'get rid of the shadows.' One thing led to another, an investigation began, and the dude was evading his taxes 'cause 'he protects our world from shadows.' He's just a crazy guy in prison now."
What the actual fuck did I just learn?
"But he's like… the face of Junes and their other companies," Ren said out of confusion.
"Yeah, they tried to cover everything up. I guess the merch still sells, but the guy behind the mask is in prison."
"Jesus…"
"I know, right? 'S crazy that people were eating enough Stubway sandwiches in the first place to notice that he was spitting in them. That shit is garbage."
Makoto was understandably silent throughout all of this. Ren was sure she didn't want to be talking about Teddie's crimes against humanity, so he didn't respond to Ryuji and let the conversation end.
Ren realized that Teddie would be back on TV as soon as the commercial break was over, so he quickly changed the channel.
"Hey!" Ryuji yelled. "I was watching that!"
Ren quickly glanced at Makoto, hoping that Ryuji would get the message.
"Ohhhh… I gotcha," Ryuji said with a chuckle before going back to watching the TV.
The three of them continued channel surfing, waiting for whatever the evening would bring.
After hours of just sitting around, watching TV, the group arrived back at the original news channel the moment something interesting was happening.
"We have breaking information on the big story from today…" the newswoman said, holding her hand to make sure her earpiece was staying in. Ren, Makoto, and Ryuji all perked up. "The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is currently having a press conference. We're cutting to that… now."
The screen cut to the most stereotypical press conference set-up possible. A podium with the TMPD logo on the front of it was in the center of the screen, the gray-haired police chief standing behind it.
"This afternoon, at approximately three-oh-one in the afternoon, Junya Kaneshiro suffered what appears to be a heart attack which proved to be fatal. Kaneshiro's heart attack, which, if not attributed to his age, can be attributed to his weight, was too sudden for doctors to save him. By the time he reached medical care, he was already dead. We will now field questions," the police chief said before pointing at one reporter.
The card… it was true. But how? If he died from a heart attack, then the Prince didn't kill him. Unless the Prince's actions led to Kaneshiro's heart attack, the calling card lied, Makoto thought.
The truth of the moment was still settling in for Makoto, leading her to fail to notice Ryuji loudly cheering and jumping around. She was focused on the TV.
"Thank you, Chief Ito. If this was truly a heart attack, Kaneshiro should've been close enough to the medical building to be saved. Is it really true that he died before getting there?"
"Yes, it is. We were keeping Kaneshiro in solitary confinement for his own safety, rather than for punishment. This increased the time needed to take Kaneshiro to the medical ward, but I doubt he would've made it if we kept him in the standard holding cells. Next question," the chief said before he pointed again.
"What do you make of the calling card that arrived today?"
"Well, it's definitely something to keep in mind. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but we're just as surprised as the public that Kaneshiro used today of all days to turn himself in. We're also surprised in the manner he arrived in: begging and pleading for justice. The man was downright hysterical for the duration of time he was in custody. Next."
"Many on social media are already using this situation to point out police incompetence. What do you make of that?"
"I make nothing of it. Next question," the police chief dismissively said.
"But Ito-san, you must understand how it appears for an established criminal to suddenly die just after he turns himself in, correct? Perhaps reform is in order?" the reporter persisted.
"There will be no such thing. The man was obese and had a heart attack. End of story. Next question, please."
"What's your take on the 'Prince of Japan?'"
The police chief just laughed, moving his head away from the microphone. It was a full minute before his laughing subsided and he returned to his normal position.
"Thank you for the questions. We'll be releasing an autopsy on Kaneshiro within the following days. This concludes the press conference," the chief said as he walked out of frame, leaving reporters shouting and cameras flashing.
The screen cut back to the normal newswoman. She had a playful expression on her face and wasn't looking in the direction of the camera. It was obvious that she was talking to someone.
"Miki-san did what?! In his desk drawer?! Oh my-! Oh!" The woman quickly composed herself, shuffling some papers around on the news desk. "Welcome back. If you're just joining us, I'll repeat what Police Chief Ito stated: Junya Kaneshiro died from a heart attack. Yes, you heard that correctly."
Makoto tuned out the TV, ready to finally speak on what the news had revealed.
I'm free. It's over. I don't have to worry about Kaneshiro. I can be happy, Makoto thought.
"That's how we effin' do it! Let's go!" Ryuji yelled at the TV.
"We didn't even do the dirty work. That Prince guy did everything," Ren said, trying to calm Ryuji down.
"Yeah, yeah, just let me have this. It's over, Renny. It's over."
Makoto saw Ren chuckle and smile to himself, but not in a negative way. It was more of a relieved sigh than anything. Then Ren turned his gaze towards her eyes, which were already focused on him. Embarrassed, Makoto felt her cheeks warm before she averted her gaze.
Instead of telling a joke, or comforting Makoto, or saying anything at all, Ren just turned away from Makoto and focused back on the TV. Makoto was initially puzzled why, but quickly reminded herself that Ren had no obligation to pay her any attention. That being said, it still was a little odd for him not to say anything.
Why? It doesn't seem like him to just keep quiet right now, Makoto thought.
That was when the realization hit her: Ren wanted her to have the moment to herself. This was Makoto's victory, even if she had no part in obtaining said victory. This was her moment. Sure, Ren would suffer if Kaneshiro wasn't killed, but it would've been nothing compared to what Makoto would've had to go through.
Ren must've wanted her to enjoy the moment for herself, and she tried her best. The confusion from earlier in the day was still present, but it was fading and making room for elation. Makoto initially chided herself for celebrating someone's death but eased her conscience by telling herself that she was celebrating her own life.
If Kaneshiro hadn't died, Makoto would be in a very different place. Makoto was simply celebrating being in the right place.
The right place… am I in the right place? I'm sitting on Ren's couch. I've stayed in his apartment for the past few days. If I'd been told in early April that I'd be living with the delinquent transfer student in two months, I wouldn't have believed it. I still don't believe it. But to be honest, I'm looking forward to going back to my own apartment. I've been enough of a burden to Ren, and I don't want to trouble him any longer, Makoto thought.
She continued to sit in silence, staring through the TV in happiness, disbelief, and confusion. Ren was still sitting on the other side of the couch, presumably doing the same. Ryuji was still jumping around and cheering.
Makoto wondered when the good mood would end.
Ren had chosen just to pay attention to the news in hopes of it revealing something new.
"Social media has erupted into a storm of misinformation, police-hatred, and praise for the so-called Prince. Pitter user kensbones4sale says, 'Police messed this one up hard. Not sure how I'm supposed to support a department that can't even stop criminals from getting killed.' Another user, pnuubdliisct posted, 'All hail the Prince!'" the newswoman announced. "People seem to be racing to share their opinions, so we thought we'd have a short discussion. Joining me today, we have National Diet member Hajime Sugimura, detective Goro Akechi, and Bill."
Bill? Who the fuck is Bill? And why is Akechi here?
The camera panned out to show the three named men sitting around a table. The newswoman sat on the far left. All three of them nodded, their practiced public smiles on full display.
"Thank you for having us," Akechi said.
"Now, tell me, Akechi-san, you've made a point in the last several weeks of criticizing TMPD. Do today's events reaffirm everything you've been saying, or has there been a change in perspective?" the newswoman asked.
"The former," Akechi said, glancing towards the camera before turning back to the woman. "If anything, everything that's happened has shown the public the obvious: the police are getting lazy."
"If I may interject, Kaneshiro had a heart attack. How the hell are they lazy for not preventing a heart attack?" Sugimura asked.
Hajime Sugimura was roughly sixty years old, glasses rested on his wrinkled nose. His orange, greasy hair was brushed over to the right side of his head. His face seemed to sag downwards in a way that should've been reserved for a man twenty years beyond Sugimura's age.
A cold glare took Akechi's face as he directed his attention towards Sugimura.
"Do you really believe that? A card announced the man's death earlier today. It would be an incredible coincidence for him to just have a heart attack a few hours later, especially after being taken into police custody. Sugimura-san, I think you know what's really going on."
"What's that supposed to mean, boy?" Sugimura bitterly spat.
Akechi's glare got even darker upon being belittled.
"There's more than meets the eye. The card said it itself: Kaneshiro had friends in the police department. If he were to turn himself in and be interrogated, he could give up his friends. Do you see where I'm going with this?" Akechi didn't wait for an answer, continuing anyway. "The 'friends' of Kaneshiro would do everything in their power to keep him quiet, perhaps even killing him. To put it simply, I believe Kaneshiro was murdered to stay silent. This Prince didn't kill him, the police did."
"That's a bold statement, Akechi-san," the newswoman said. Ren could understand her intentions: she wanted to get Akechi to continue. Provocative statements seemed to flow out of Akechi, and that meant higher viewership.
"And a necessary one. We've reached a point where the people that are supposed to be protecting us are conspiring with the ones who wish to hurt us. They are even killing those same people to protect their own necks instead of letting justice pass. It's despicable," Akechi spat.
"I'm sure your peers won't like this," Sugimura said as he chuckled.
"No, they won't. But those same peers killed Kaneshiro, and I'm sure their reactions to what I say will let me figure out who they are," Akechi confidently stated.
"Let me speak for everyone watching in saying that we'll all be watching with great interest with Akechi-san. We're almost out of time, but does anyone have any final thoughts? Bill?"
Bill. What a legend. He doesn't have a last name because he doesn't need one.
The camera panned to Bill. He was possibly the most generic-looking person Ren had ever seen and had a name that wasn't common in Japan. Why his parents had given him the name Ren did not know, but he was thankful for those parents' decision.
"It's pretty cool."
"Indeed, Bill. Always insightful," the newswoman said before she turned to directly look into the camera. "We'll be back in a few with more on today's big story."
The screen cut to advertisements, and Ren was pulled back into his apartment. He looked at his phone to check the time.
Sheesh… it's getting late. I'm gonna have to start worrying about dinner soon. Is Makoto staying over? That'd be cool, but I don't want to force anything on her.
Ren looked around to check on the situation in the apartment. Ryuji was still there, excitedly scrolling through something on his phone. Makoto was blankly staring at the TV. Ren was ninety-nine percent sure that she hadn't moved, blinked, or breathed since Kaneshiro's death had been announced. Ren felt awkward that nothing had been said, so he said the first thing that came to mind.
"When're you gonna pay Yusuke, Ryuji?"
Ryuji looked up at him, realization dawning on his face.
"Ah, shit." Ryuji looked down at his phone, navigating to a page that Ren couldn't see from his angle. "Dude's texted me five times now. I guess he wants… me to take him to dinner? Shit, he won the bet."
Ryuji got off of his chair and walked over to Ren's couch. He extended his hand to Ren to shake.
"It's been a pleasure, Renji." Ren shook Ryuji's hand. After Ryuji pulled his hand away, he stepped over in front of Makoto and extended his hand to her. "Miss President."
Makoto apprehensively shook the hand as if something negative could come out of it. In the end, a handshake was just a handshake. Ryuji pulled his hand away and walked out of the apartment.
Ren and Makoto had been left in the same situation that they had been so many times in the past week: it was just them, alone in the apartment.
"You… uh… happy?" Ren asked. He had no clue what to say but he knew that saying nothing would be worse than the awkward nonsense that he did let out anyway.
"I suppose so," Makoto replied. Her expression was still blank. Ren was a little upset that he wasn't able to read her, but that was countered by the fact that he was looking at Makoto. That made it alright.
"Uh… I… cool?"
"Mhm."
Ren kept awkwardly looking at Makoto. She didn't share in the awkwardness, as her gaze was still focused on the TV. Ren was incredibly thankful that she hadn't noticed his staring. That would be the worst-case scenario.
"Ren, is there something you want to say?" Makoto asked, eyeing Ren with her peripheral vision.
Shit! Uh.. think of something, you idiot!
"I- I mean, uh, are you going back to your apartment?" Ren stuttered out.
You fucking donkey, why would you say that?! Now you sound like a dick.
Makoto confusedly looked at Ren. He wasn't sure if she was confused about his question or his delivery, but was thankful that she wasn't offended.
"Do you w-want me to?"
You fucked up. You hurt her feelings.
"Well, it's up to you. I'm fine with you staying here, I'm fine with you going back to your apartment. It's all up to you," Ren said.
Yeah, just put all the pressure on her. Way to go, Renji. Shit, why am I calling myself that? That's not a habit I want to pick up.
"I-I'd like to go home. If it's safe, of course."
"Well, the person you owed is dead. I think it'll be alright. If you don't feel safe, you're free to come back."
"Thanks, Ren," Makoto said as she stood up from the couch. "I think I'm gonna go pack up."
Makoto had just finished packing up and was dragging her suitcase out of Ren's room. He had offered her help, but she declined. Her reason was that it would take more time to pack, and Makoto, for some reason she wasn't sure of, wanted to spend more time in Ren's apartment. She had grown oddly attached to it over the past week, even if her reason for staying there was wrong.
Ren stood at the door to the apartment, his hands awkwardly stuffed in his pockets. He was idly leaning against the wall, waiting for Makoto. It was obvious what his intent was: he wanted to say goodbye.
Makoto didn't want that. If she was being honest with herself, she didn't want to leave, but she knew that it was important for her to go home. She would never grow past Kaneshiro otherwise. Makoto continued walking to the door, suitcase in tow.
Ren looked her in the eye, offering a reassuring smile. Makoto tried to return the smile but only managed what she thought was a stupid-looking grin. Ren didn't seem to mind. He opened the door for her, and she stepped to the other side. She still hadn't said goodbye, so she turned back around to face Ren.
He stood on the other side of the doorway, the same smile on his face from just a few seconds ago.
"Thank you, Ren," Makoto said. They were simple words, but she truly meant them.
"Yeah. No problem," Ren casually replied.
"I mean it," Makoto said with a laugh at Ren's casualness. "I wouldn't have made it without you."
Ren's face slightly reddened, his left hand coming out of his pockets to rub his head.
"Well… I mean…" he couldn't finish his sentence and opted to just extend his right hand towards Makoto.
That was where Makoto's trouble began. Ren could have wanted a handshake, but the way his left hand was lowering from his head could have been lowering into the position for expecting a hug. If Makoto waited too long, the moment would be ruined. If she chose the wrong action, the moment would be ruined.
I'm ruining the moment with my overanalyzing, Makoto thought.
She was right. Precious milliseconds were passing and Makoto still hadn't made a decision.
Fuck it, Makoto thought out of desperation. She questioned herself for her choice of mental words but decided that it could wait for later.
Out of desperation for the moment not to suck, Makoto hugged Ren. She felt his right arm, the one that had been extending, poking outwards from the hug.
I chose wrong, didn't I? Makoto thought.
"O-oh… I, uh, didn't know… um," Ren trailed off.
Yeah. I chose wrong. Dammit, Makoto, she thought.
Even if she chose wrong, Ren didn't pull away. His right arm adjusted so that he was hugging her back now. That made Makoto forget about what she thought was wrong in the first place.
How could anything be wrong right now? she thought to herself.
Makoto couldn't tell if the hug was lasting too long, but she didn't want it to end. As if it would prevent the moment from becoming awkward, she decided to speak.
"Thank you, Ren," she repeated from earlier.
Content hums came from Ren.
Okay. This definitely isn't going on too long. He doesn't seem to mind, Makoto realized.
But the thought crept in that if they stood there any longer, hugging, they would be caught. Not wanting to deal with the embarrassment, Makoto pulled away. She didn't look Ren in the eye, as she was nervous about facing judgment.
Makoto was so nervous that her goodbye was rushed.
"Uh, g-goodbye, Ren!" she said hurriedly before swiftly walking down the hall with her suitcase.
She didn't hear Ren say goodbye before she got in the elevator.
Nice. Awesome. Amazing. Wonderful. Splendid. Exquisite…
Ren was trapped in a haze of good feelings. It took a few minutes for him to finally go back into his apartment.
Makoto's bedroom had felt foreign to her. Everything was clean, neat, and untouched from when she last left it, but it still felt as if it wasn't her room.
That feeling would go away as soon as Makoto settled down onto her bed. Instead of unpacking, she decided to read a book. It had been far too long since she could do that and focus. With a clear head, Makoto opened the book.
And focus she did. The book captured her attention so much that several hours passed. Not even the sound of Makoto's apartment door opening could pull her out of her book. What did pull her out of her book was the door to her room opening.
In that doorway stood the silver-haired prosecutor, Sae Niijima.
"H-hey, sis," Makoto said. There wasn't much else to be said. Not yet, at least.
"Hello, Makoto," Sae said tiredly. "Will you be making dinner tonight?"
"Oh! Of course!" Makoto said, jumping up from her bed. Her book had made her forget about dinner, but Sae's return to the apartment warranted her to put extra effort into the meal.
"Good. I'm going to go take a bath," Sae said as she left the doorway. Makoto heard her sister walk down the hall and into her own room, the door closing behind her.
Makoto got to work on dinner for the both of them. By the time she was done, Sae emerged from her room in more casual attire.
So she's staying here for the night. Good. But why did she return? Is she going to tell me now? No, that's too much to hope for. She was too angry when she left. It must've been something other than me to get her to come back here, Makoto reasoned.
Sae sat down at the dinner table just as Makoto placed meals for the both of them on the table. Makoto sat directly across from Sae. They both ate in silence, but Makoto was struggling to bear that quietness. Finally, she broke.
"Why'd you come back?" she asked.
Sae stopped eating, setting her utensils down on the table.
"I assume you saw what happened today on the news." Sae waited for Makoto to nod, which she did, before continuing. "I was working on the Kaneshiro case. I saw your text the other week, but I had already been assigned to him at the time. Anyways, I've been too busy to make real progress in the case, but nabbing Kaneshiro would've guaranteed me a promotion."
"Oh." Makoto didn't have much to say.
"I wanted to get away from work. Everyone's in an uproar after that shit this morning."
"Do you believe in it?"
"The calling card?" Sae bitterly said. "Don't get me started. That line about Kaneshiro having friends in the department? I'm sure it's true after today's reaction. The department is shitting itself behind the scenes. Making everything worse, Akechi, who doesn't truly work for the department, accuses them of murder on live television!"
"Is he right?" Makoto inquired.
"I don't know," Sae said with a huff. "I don't know about a lot of things. But what about you? How've you been while I've been away?"
"Fine. Just keeping up with my studies," Makoto said. She had rehearsed the line over the past few years. If there was ever anything bugging her, it wouldn't be shared with Sae, at least most of the time. Sae would usually only receive the stock answer that Makoto kept.
"Good. That's all I can ask of you right now," Sae said as she finished her dinner. As she stood up and went towards the kitchen, she turned back to Makoto. "I'll be back here a lot more often. I can't stand being at work with everything that's going on."
I wouldn't want to be there either. It would be like going to Shujin after principal Kobayakawa is accused of murder and still actively working there, Makoto thought.
Makoto finished her dinner soon after, cleaning the dishes before going to her room for the night.
Sae had returned, but it wasn't much of a reunion. The issues that plagued the relationship between the sisters remained undiscussed and unresolved. They didn't seem any closer to being fixed, but Makoto wasn't sure if she cared. Sae hadn't been there for her when Makoto needed her most. The people who had been there for her were the members of GRAVY, Ren most of all.
Who is sis to tell me not to spend time with them? They're the ones who care about me, Makoto thought.
Just as Makoto was settling in, her phone lit up from her bedside counter. She groggily reached over and held it up to herself.
Ren Amamiya:
-Are you going to school tomorrow?
Makoto Niijima:
-I'm not sure.
Ren Amamiya:
-I don't think you should. We don't know what Takata could do. He and the rest of the volleyball team may be looking for revenge for what I did, so you should stay home until things settle down.
Makoto wasn't sure how to respond, and she wasn't sure if she agreed. She had already missed more days in the past week than the rest of her academic career combined, but Ren did have a point. Apparently, Makoto's lack of a response prompted Ren to text more.
Ren Amamiya:
-If you want, of course. It's up to you.
That helps so much, Makoto sarcastically thought.
Makoto Niijima:
-Okay. You have a point. I'll stay home. I want to go back as soon as possible.
Ren Amamiya;
-Yeah, that makes sense. I get that. I'm sure you'll be able to listen to shitty lectures in no time.
Makoto Niijima:
-I find them quite interesting.
Ren Amamiya:
-I'm sure you do, but I'm also sure that you already know everything they talk about because you read ahead in the textbook.
Makoto smiled to herself. He was right.
Makoto Niijima:
-You got me. Goodnight, Ren.
Ren Amamiya:
-Goodnight, my queen.
Makoto did a double-take in her bed at the message.
Makoto Niijima:
-Excuse me?
*Ren Amamiya has deleted a message*
Ren Amamiya:
-I was hacked. Goodnight, Makoto.
Wednesday, 6/15
Ren went to school that morning, surprising himself. He knew that he was going to be expelled, so why not do it on his own terms? He could've just skipped school and never have to have a meeting with Kobayakawa where he was told to get the fuck out of Tokyo.
But he didn't do any of that. He rode his normal train route, walked from the station to the school gate, and entered the familiar building. He wasn't sure why he did, but he figured it was better to confront his expulsion than run from it. Even if he was going to be expelled, Ren didn't mind much. After all, he had been hugged by Makoto Niijima.
He got a few rude glares, glances, and glimpses but disregarded all of them. Those students hadn't been hugged by Makoto Niijima.
He sat down as normally as possible in homeroom. Kawakami eyed him as he sat down, but didn't say anything. If she knew about whatever was happening behind the scenes involving Ren, she didn't say. Ren didn't mind. Makoto and the other members of GRAVY were safe.
Even the intercom announcement didn't rattle Ren.
"Ren Amamiya to the principal's office, please," the secretary distortedly said.
Kawakami's lecture stopped and all eyes turned to Ren. With a smirk, he shrugged and stood up. Ann was worriedly looking at him from her seat, but Ren just shook his head at her, telling her not to worry. They both knew what was coming, but strangely, Ann was the one who hadn't accepted it.
Ren began to walk out of the classroom, all eyes trained on him. Just as he was about to exit the room, the guy sitting closest to the door decided that it was a good time to get the last word.
"See ya, prick," he said with a snicker.
Those were the most inspiring words Ren had ever heard.
You know, this is my last time being in this class, or any class. Might as well make it count.
Cupping his hands around his mouth for dramatic emphasis, Ren looked around the class. He looked Kawakami directly in the eyes before he placed the cherry on top of his time at Shujin.
"Go fuck yourselves!"
Kawakami cracked a smirk before she quickly turned away from Ren to hide her reaction from the class. Even if she didn't hide it, the class wouldn't have noticed. They were too busy erupting into outcry at Ren's words.
Outcry that he did not stay for. He shuffled out of the door, leaving the mess he made behind as he went up the stairs to the principal's office.
Ren didn't hesitate when he reached his destination. He swiftly opened the door, walked through, and closed it. He barely observed the room before he took a seat. Kobayakawa sat at his normal desk, but he was joined by someone Ren didn't expect.
Maruki sat in a chair to Ren's right, facing Kobayakawa's desk and slightly angled. Ren's chair was symmetrically angled. He looked both men in the eyes before either of them were able to speak. Both carried stoic looks.
Understandable. Expelling a student must not be fun. I'm assuming Maruki hates to lose any student, and Kobayakawa is losing out on his bonus check for rehabilitating a criminal. Wait… shouldn't Yoshiro be here? Doesn't he need to do a testimony against me or some shit? Huh. I'm surprised they didn't have him here.
"So… no Takata?" Ren casually began.
"No, Amamiya-kun, he will not be joining us," Maruki answered.
"I find that hard to believe. He's still gotta testify against me," Ren insisted.
"That's why he's not here," Maruki said, looking Ren directly in the eye. "He already testified."
Uh… what?
Maruki pulled out his phone. He tapped the screen a few times before gently placing the phone on Kobayakawa's desk.
All Ren had to do was listen to the audio recording that began playing.
A/N: Break was a bit shorter than I expected, but it's for the best. I realized how much I absolutely hate editing and that I didn't want to power through the entire fic in one short run. I'd rather just occasionally go back and re-edit a chapter when I feel like it. Moving on, 31 will still be coming out tomorrow. While it's still an interlude, it's really long. After tomorrow, I'll be returning to the weekly upload schedule. Thank you guys for reading, and I hope you have an awesome day.